In a year in which we have focused so much on our values and identity, it is disconcerting that we have also witnessed the eruption of business scandals, and the largest bankruptcies in American history. The collapses of dominant companies such as Enron and WorldCom are cases not only of economic bankruptcy, but also of ethical bankruptcy. The scandals remind us that effective education for citizenship needs to highlight the importance of business ethics as well as political behavior. There can be no private wealth without common wealth. We must think and live beyond ourselves, and keep faith with our democratic principles. These are the themes that must guide us as we try to understand our identity and purpose.
